MELBOURNE has appointed two-time Geelong premiership player and recently retired Demon Shannon Byrnes as its welfare and development coach.

 

As part of his new role, the 30-year-old will work closely with the club's first and second-year players and assist with its VFL affiliate team Casey.

 

Byrnes said he was eager to continue his association with Melbourne.

 

"I'm rapt to get the opportunity to stay at the club that gave me my second chance and I'm looking forward to working with the younger players to help them develop and improve," Byrnes told the club’s website.

Byrnes is no stranger to the coaching landscape, having assisted at TAC Cup side Oakleigh Chargers and Catholic school Xavier College during his time as a player.

 

Melbourne football operations manager Josh Mahoney said Byrnes possessed all the skills required for the job.

 

"His natural personality fits the role very well and we thought it was a great fit for him to move straight out of playing and into this role," Mahoney said.

 

Byrnes played a total of 131 AFL games – 108 with Geelong and 23 with Melbourne – in a career spanning 11 years.

 

The small forward retired from the game in July after a season-ending foot injury.